Computational Fluid Dynamics Study Of Bio-Mimetic Wind Turbine For Energy Harvesting Using OpenFOAM

• Main Author: Abdullah, Ahmad Shafawi
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/23969/; http://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=115393

The biomimetic design is a new approach introduced as an innovative in design branches. Through human observation of the surrounding, the proliferation of ideas is nurtured and translate into technology development in solving human problems. Implementation of biomimetic approaches can be such as natural process replication and mechanism imitation . In this study, an artificial design approach mimicking Green turtle's (Chelonia mydas) flipper is adapted to the design of the wind turbine blade. Airflow simulation is performed between two design, the base design and bio mimicry design. The simulation using the OpenFOAM software utilizing the approach of RANS turbulent model with Spalart­ Allmaras one equation solver. The aim of the study is to examine the aerodynamic characteristic of the lift and drag coefficient. The results of the simulation found out that significant differences between the two designs. It was observed that bio mimetic design generated 50% more lift at 10° angle of attack compare to same profile in base design. Drag coefficient characteristic shows contradiction between both where based design shows fluctuation while bio mimetic exhibits sudden stagnation at stall angle. The result of the biomimetic design reveals its ability to produce better lift forces at higher angle of attack. In case of wind turbine blade, this roughly contribute to more energy can be extracted due to higher stall angle. Although only one of the aerodynamic performance indicator had been investigated, it gives forethought that potential bio mimicry design has. In achieving the proper accuracy, the scope of the simulation can be expanding to evaluate the real competency of this innovation.